Skip it if you can, but if you have to go, show up late and leave early.
I have found that showing up after the party is in gear is easier for me. Seeing a bunch of people after they are already buzzed is a different experience than watching them get buzzed and feeling deprived. They are not nearly as attractive, charming, or humorous as they think they are. I find it a real turn-off and in 15 minutes I am eyeballing the door.
Good luck and stay strong.